Sheep's swim for freedom is foiled

Crazed ewe finally caught after escape attempt

By Anonymous

Friday, November 14, 2008

The ewe drifted downstream in the 12ft-deep water for 20 minutes before scrambling to safety up a steep bank. But after spending the night sheltering in undergrowth on the banks of the River Lugg near Leominster in Herefordshire, its bold break for freedom ended when it was reunited with owner Roger Helme. He thinks it survived because it is a texel, a breed known for their powerful hind legs and short coats. Roger, 48, said: “When I got a call from a policeman I couldn’t believe it. Normally sheep don’t like water because their wool weighs them down.

The sheep was finally caught after a 20 minute swim

”Luckily, her wool is short so it didn’t drag her down. She still had lots of running in her and was determined not to be caught.”